209: Resolution on the Human Rights Situation in the North of Mali

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Commission), meeting at its 11th Extraordinary Session in Banjul, The Gambia, from 21st February to 1st March 2012

RECALLING its mandate of promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights in Africa pursuant to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter);

CONSIDERING that one of the objectives of the African Union, as outlined under Article 3 (f) of its Constitutive Act consists of “ promoting peace, security and stability on the Continent “;

CONSIDERING Articles 6, 22 and 23 of the African Charter which guarantee the rights to security, peace and development and other regional and international human rights instruments;

DEEPLY CONCERNED by the resumption of the conflict between the Touareg rebels and the Malian Armed Forces, since 17 January 2012, in violation of the 2009 Algiers Accord which had officially put an end to the Touareg rebellion;

WORRIED by the forced displacement of more than 60,000 Malians within the country and to Mauritania, Niger, Burkina Faso and Algeria as a result of the conflict between the Parties;

CONCERNED about the numerous cases of looting and aggression being perpetrated during the conflict;

CONCERNED about the humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict in the North of Mali;

1. CONDEMNS the current conflict between the Touareg rebels and the Malian Armed Forces;

2. CONDEMNS the forced displacement of Malians inside the country and to neighbouring countries;

3. URGES the Touareg rebels to put an immediate end to their attacks and calls upon the parties to initiate constructive dialogue for a settlement of the conflict;

4. URGES the Government of Mali to take the necessary measures to protect the rights of its citizens as guaranteed in the African Charter as well as other regional and international human rights instruments;

5. CALLS ON the African Union and the international community to give their support in the resolution of the conflict.